Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Ford Tuff - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Metro - August 18 - 10:00 am

  First new truck I have ever owned. I have to say I am very happy with it. The seats could be better, with more lumbar support, the turn signal needs adjusting. The gas mileage is as stated on the sticker at 16-19 mpg. No rattles or squeaks. Very quiet with plenty of power. I live in the Sierra foothills and drives beautiful on the road, highway or on off-road,and pulls my yard trailer, loaded nicely. I have the 3.0, automatic with 4.10 limited slip. I paid 17,300. Plan on having it for many care free years. Its very tight all around. I appericate how far the industry has come.

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  One Bad Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By blucobra03 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I read all the stories about this car before actually driving it and I have to say they cant come close to the exhilaration felt when accelerating. Ive owned everything from a 70 Boss Mustang to Chevelle SS and Trans Am, but this car is just plain muscle. When thrown in with the creature comforts of A/C, Mach Stereo and CD player, its just as much fun as anyone could hope for. Ive even owned a 2001 Z06. It was a nice car as well, but its a different feeling when you get behind the wheel of the Cobra. SVT finally got it right folks. I applaud their efforts.

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  First On Race Day (FORD) - 1991 Ford F-350
  By Ben French - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best truck! The 7.5L V8 is very powerful (for a gas engine) and very reliable. the truck can easily take a beating and tows our 29 foot Nomad fifth-wheel travel trailer with ease. The Trucks vinyl seating is very tough but is somewhat uncomfortable. The truck is a F-350 SRW Crew Cab Truck, one that I would suggest to any one.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dorothy - August 17 - 5:13 pm

  I just love my Freestyle. It is fun to drive and I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. It gets good gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive.

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  2013 Ford C-MAX SE...Too soon to pass Judgement - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By phill1 - August 17 - 2:08 pm

  Traded in my 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback 7/31 and with just over a month of driving and less then 1000 miles, I`m only averaging 34 mpg City & Highway. I`m careful (not) to accelerate quickly and coast when possible and avoid lots of unnecessary braking still can`t get over 34 mpg. The Vehicle is very comfortable, peppy, and if I can eventually improve on the Fuel Economy numbers, I`ll be very happy. Got spoiled with the smaller fuel sipping Fiesta which (always) delivered 33-35 mpg city and 41-43 mpg highway from day one.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rs1981 - August 17 - 3:16 am

  We traded in our Camry for a new Focus, because a big sedan isnt practical for living in a city, and we havent regretted the decision one bit. We drive a lot, so the fuel savings are adding up quickly. On top of that, its actually fun to drive. The turning radius is tighter, its easier to parallel-park, the acceleration is much quicker, and you actually feel the road. Plus its adorable. Legroom would be an issue if we werent both short, so tall folks might want to keep that in mind. Also, the automatic transmission is different from what youre probably used to; this is a good thing. Welcome change. Its gonna get you better fuel economy.

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  Ford Man - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By bviks - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Eddie Bauer version of this truck and I am more than pleased with the perfformance and the quality. The only negitive that I find with this car is the fuel economy.

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  Nice Nice Nice car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Mr - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Second car my car for running around town love the car love the silver color hope to have it another 10 years. Have a grand marquie for other car feel safer with grandkids in bigger car, escott is a nice nice nice car and I love it.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ivette - August 17 - 12:56 am

  This car has definitely met my needs. Originally, I was looking for a car with a roomy enough interior (for our growing family), not too wide of a body (easy to park) and flexible enough to fit 7 adults comfortably. One of the most important things I wanted is that I did not want to feel as if I was driving a huge truck and I did not like the feel of minivans. I did my research and felt that this was the car for me. It has not had any mechanical problems so far and Ive owned it for 1 1/2 years. I like the smoothness of the CVT. Overall, I absolutely love my car!

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  The new truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Drjoe - August 17 - 12:36 am

  As my first pickup truck this one is great fun on and off road. It carries and tows anything I own. The interior is great. The exterior looks great. It even fits into my garage. The fuel economy is not good averaging 11.5mpg around town and about 15 mpg on the highway towing my boat. Overall I am pleased with my purchase.